What, Why and How of Goal Setting & Kupkiss, 6x6

"Kupkiss" 6x6" Oil    ©Brenda Boylan    Sold

As the days hasten to 2014, we begin to think more about the past year and ponder what next year will bring forth.

In this post, I am not trying to boast or make myself out to be the super duper star of this blog. My post is about YOUR goal setting and I am a huge believer in goal setting. What I wish to share with you is what I did to make my goals happen.  So this is my "What, Why and How" to goal setting. As for diets, we won't even tackle that subject...but I digress. 

Looking back, I think the past year has been quite extraordinary in terms of my growth as an artist. In light of the economic challenges most artists have experienced over the past 6 or more years, I made a mental decision to take this unknown "down time" and invest in the business of my work. This meant workshopping with master artists, building up marketing online and off, pushing myself to stretch in ways that made me very uncomfortable, and to try new things. I had decided that when the economy was ready for art, I would be ready for IT. And so for the past 6 years or so, I hunkered down and focused. I said "yes" to those opportunities that would lead me to my ultimate goal and avoided the ones that would misdirect me...and boy, there were many! I lost a few friends along the way, opting out of some fun, smaller art shows, I sacrificed a few family events, but I stayed the course. Reflecting back over this past year, things are really starting to move along. Do I regret any of my choices?  Perhaps a few, Am I fulfilled? A resounding YES!  Let me explain... 

It all happened a few years ago when I attended the Plein Air Convention in 2012, the early morning marketing class that Publisher Eric Rhodes taught really hit me on the side of the head.  I knew this stuff. I read it in books, I discussed it with others, I heard it on tapes, but something took over that early morning session that made me shift my ways. It wasn't easy either. It took work.. really hard work. I was no longer a pin ball bouncing around just doing things. I had directions. The thing is, it takes focus for any goal to happen. I just decided to work on it, and try to stay balanced. I accepted that somethings just get out of whack when the focus is lazer hot, but then you gotta make a point to take "down time" to realign. Life just gets in the way as always, and that is to be expected. Then this year, I began to see actual results for the first time in all my 19 years. I began to get invitations to participate in some incredible shows, judging opportunities came my way and galleries began to call. My work was getting noticed online and off, but the best part was that my work was beginning to sell. 

My first hope for you in the new year would be to DECIDE what it is you want. Write it down and look at that goal daily. 

Secondly, FOCUS on what it is you want. Stay clear of distractions and opportunities that will end up taking you nowhere. 

Work hard. No explanation here.

Evaluate and decide.  Sit down with yourself and ask what worked and what didn't, and make the needed changes. 

Take chances and have fun with your art. It will take hard work and sometimes be uncomfortable, but it's all so worth it.

Here are a few of my top picks for goal setting:

(Disclaimer:  I am not getting paid to post this, just sharing what I have done)

Eight Habits of Highly Effective Artists  Blog Talk Radio with Leslie Saeta

15 Ways to Get Back on Track for Your Best Year Ever.  Blog Talk Radio with Leslie Saeta

I'd Rather be in the Studio! by Alyson B. Stanfield

How to Sell Art by J Jason Horejs

Studio and Business Practices by Deborah Paris

Plein Air Convention, Monterey, CA. April 7-11, 2014

All my best to you in the new year!

~Brenda

Old Warrior, 8x10 and more...

Old Warrior, 8x10" Pastel

Me in Monterey on the pier painting "Old Warror" with 

Thomas J. Kitts and Hai-Ou Hou (not shown)

So much time has passed since my return from the Plein Air Convention in April. Loads of super good things are brewing here in the studio as well as with my family. Juggling more bowling balls this past May and I can feel the pressure building into June and beyond. I am loving my productive life, the joys of being an artist are plentiful and I am ever so grateful for each day.

On the home front, my daughter of 18 is going to graduate from High school this Saturday and I am proud to say she has earned herself a substantial amount of scholarship money to Pacific University.  Can you say happy parents? Yup. The only thing that still needs to happen is for her to get her drivers license. I can't figure out why kids these days aren't hungry to drive?

In the studio, I have been finalizing contracts for 4 events. This means paperwork and organization are first over painting.  One in particular is the Umpqua Plein Air  event in September and I am pleased and honored to be this year's juror.  Held in Roseburg, OR, a painter's paradise, this show is well organized and supported by many volunteers. If you would like to try your hand at plein air or have never participated in a plein air event, then let me encourage you to consider this one as it is not juried, and you will have a great time painting along with many talented artists.

Another event that I am really "stoked" about is a Plein Air group show in August/September with Northwest artists Michael Orwick, Don Bishop and Ramona Youngquist and myself at ART Elements Gallery.  We have been busy securing advertising as well as an article in the popular art magazine Southwest Art, as well as planning outings to paint for this show. There will be vineyard painting demos and a few other great ideas that are still in the works.

I am also preparing for 3 workshops:

1-day workshop on Painting Water, Sunday June 30th

Click HERE for info

3-day Pastel Inside & Out workshop, Sept 21-23

Click HERE for info

3- day Pastel Punch! workshop, March 21-23, 2014

Click HERE for info

(info may not be posted yet as this contract was just signed)

There is so much more to share but it's getting late and I'm tired eyed. I hope to post more as I go along, even if it's just three words. Over and out.

Artist Self Doubt and Expectations

It's funny, the other day my artist friend cheered me on as a "famous artist" because I have been listed on the roster of artists at the Plein Air Convention. I don't know if this is what deems one famous, but I'll take it as a wonderful compliment with both arms wide open. Could this mean this is my "15 minutes of fame?"  I certainly don't feel any deserved than any other artist. Perhaps I am feeling a sprinkling of self doubt, or perhaps my work should receive every recognition possible with every pastel stroke or dab of oil on my canvas to justify myself being "famous". Does being an artist mean we are born to endure these feelings of self doubt or higher expectations? I think to some degree yes, but I also believe that this is what moves us to work harder and be better artists. I am happy to report that I live amongst very talented artists in my own community who I feel are pretty famous in their own right, and hopefully "In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes" ~Andy Warhol.  There is so much yet to be painted, to discover, to endure to be famous. Yet I'll take the compliment any way I can. Thanks to those who have believed in me, hopefully it will pay off in the end. I just saw this quote on success and want to share it with you. 

Success

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Plein Air Convention is coming up this April! Last year was so memorable and inspiring to be among so many fun loving, happy artists who were all part of one big family. I want to feel that way again if only for a few days. Come join me in this awesome event, you will not forget it.

Last year, during the Plein Air Convention all 700 artists went out to paint at 

Red Rocks, Nevada...in the gusty wind and rain. Call me nuts but I was so happy to be there

with so many artists. This year we go to Monterey, CA!

Morning Crocus, 8x8

Morning Crocus, 8x8" Pastel  ©Brenda Boylan

Spring is pretty much here in the Great Northwest even though it's not official until March 21. Just yesterday, I saw some crocus peeking up from our garden and thought, "YEAH, plein air season is almost here!" Spring means it's time for the Plein Air Convention which has been designed to inspire all those artists to go outdoors. It is also the highlight of my year. This time around I have been honored to mentor as a field artist.  That means I will be out in the field painting with 700 other plein air artists, demonstrating my technique and visiting with curious onlookers. Now the question is, should I bring oil or my ever faithful pastels?

The piece above was from deep within the vault, created some eleven years ago or so when I first began painting with pastels in earnest. Sorry it is a bit blurry, but I don't have a good photo of it and has since been purchase by a collector. Whenever I see crocus, it is a reminder that spring is just...around... the...corner!

A bit of SSP (aka Shameless Self Promotion)

"NW 23rd at Johnson" 8x10, Oil

Last year, the Plein Air Convention was first launched and was widely attended by plein air artists from across the globe. When I first heard of it, I longed to go but reasoned it was not worth the expense. As the date drew closer, I became more convinced that I must go and gathered my gear and set out with some like minded artists. I'm forever grateful that I did because of the inspiration and friends I made there is still strong and growing.  I am honored and excited to be included as a Demonstrating Field Artist for this years event and lineup.  Imagine learning and painting alongside artists Kathleen Dunphy, Ken Auster, Scott Christiansen, Kim Lordier,  Ned Mueller, Camille Przewodek, and so many other talented artists too many to list? I strongly encourage you to attend if you can figure out how to make it a reality. The event will be held April 10~14th in the beautiful California coastal town of Monterey.

Above is a plein air painting (unfinished) from last fall and I'm not sure if I had ever posted it before. Looking at it now, it reminds me of the warm, dry weather we had and the fun I had with the other artists as we painted and chatted along. There were several pedestrians around, curious about art being created on the spot. Not a common sight for the general public to see, but if you are ever do catch us about, do stop by and say "Hi."

Summer Lake, 14x11

"Summer Lake" 14x11, Oil

The summer greens in Oregon have folded into shades of orange, soft rust, and bright yellow.  Fall is present in the Northwest, but so is the rain.  That means it's time to put away the sandals and strap on those boots. Here is the last piece I painted just before the rainy season began and it was a very blustery day.  The wind swept my roll of paper towels and ran with it, creating a trail that wove it's way into the lake below, causing me to pack up my easel prematurely.  This location is a pedestrian park in development called Summer Lake.  I discovered it late this past summer and have found it to be a great painting spot for those days when I have a small window of time.

Oh yes, a news flash! 

A few days ago, I received an invitation by Steve Doherty of Plein Air Magazine to be one of the participating artists in the field at the Plein Air Convention held in Monterey, CA.  I'm thrilled and truly humbled to be given this opportunity to share my joy of painting with a larger audience. Last year's Convention was incredible and I will never forget the feeling of being surrounded by so much talent, inspiration and new friends. If you attend the convention in April of 2013, please be sure to stop by and say "Hi" because I'd love to meet my blogging friends. Thank you to Steve Doherty!

Pastel Punch! Workshop Registration is open.

I am now taking registrations for my February 2013 workshop. Attendance will be limited to 10 artists for close, individual attention. I don't offer this workshop very often, but when I do, I make sure we have fun. Make your artistic goals a reality with a workshop packed full of information and experimentation.  Perhaps it's time you consider a workshop for a Christmas or Hannukah gift.

Pastel Punch! Workshop
Sequoia Gallery
Hillsboro, OR
February 8-10, 2013
9:00-4:00 pm daily
$300
http://brendaboylan.com/workshops

Pastel Punch! recap

 Demo of a 20 min timed painting. Emphasis on loosening up.

Last weekend I spent time teaching my Pastel Punch! workshop with six pastel enthusiasts.  Every time I do this teaching stuff, I feel greatly rewarded in a warm, fuzzy kind of way.  My intension was to help my students become better at their craft while adding a few of my favorite exercises to help them loosen up. 

Every day we covered a single topic and painted with that topic in mind to help drive home the idea.

The basics of values, composition, color, and mark-making were what I wanted to stress in my workshop. Nearing the end of the workshop I wrote some thoughts down for everyone to think about...words that I covered in all the lessons.  Kind of like a note pad of sorts.

 Thoughts on the "Good Stuff"

Every day we had a couple of demos. This demo was about mark-making.

Me and my wonderful students (L-R) Debbie, Sue, Diane, Sarah, Marilyn and Nancy....thanks for your time with me.

Being the marketing nut that I tend to be, I asked my students how they found out about my workshop. It was interesting, because they all came from a variety of sources.  A gallery show, on my blog, word of mouth, out in the field, a flyer, and an private invitation.  There seems to be no one way in getting the word out, but to just keep talking about it in every way possible.  

We painted in Kat Sowa's studio and it's what I'd call "THE" quintessential studio.  Located in an old warehouse, it is full all the amenities for teaching and working on art.  It is equipped with ample lighting, with beautiful still lifes, extra tables, heat, a sink, a small and quiet sitting room for eating or resting on the couch, a library of reference books, a few sturdy easels with plenty of space and more.  It is a studio with great energy and creativity and I do hope to teach there again.

This photo doesn't give the space any justice, but believe me it's awesome!

This coming week, I will be heading down to Las Vegas for the Plein Air Convention with a contingency of Portland painting buddies.  I"m sure there will be much to learn and tons of fun connecting with old friends in the field.  If you are headed to the convention, please look for a short blonde with a funny laugh, and do make sure to introduce yourself because I'd love to meet you.